Home Solar Guide: Everything You Need to Know in 2026

Solar power continues to grow as homeowners look for long-term savings and energy independence. If you’re considering “going solar,” it’s important to understand your home’s suitability, costs, available incentives, and installation steps.

The good news is that Brda Electric, with over 35 years of experience, helps homeowners evaluate, install, and maximize their residential solar systems.

What Does It Mean to “Go Solar” at Home?

Going solar means generating electricity for your home using solar panels typically installed on your roof or property. These panels produce power during daylight hours by converting sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts that DC power into alternating current (AC), which is what your home uses.

For homeowners, solar typically works in three main ways:

• Generating power: Solar panels convert sunlight into usable electricity for your home
• Storing power: Optional battery systems store excess energy for later use
• Offsetting energy bills: Solar reduces monthly utility costs through net metering credits

Home solar systems can be grid-tied, off-grid, or hybrid. Most homeowners choose a grid-tied system, which stays connected to the utility grid for backup power and allows them to earn credits for excess energy sent back to the grid. Off-grid systems operate independently, while hybrid systems combine grid connection with battery storage for added flexibility.

How Solar Panels Actually Power Your Home

Using the photovoltaic (PV) effect, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. The PV effect happens when sunlight hits the panels and excites the electrons within the cells, creating direct current electricity. An inverter converts that power into alternating current, which powers appliances, lighting, and electronics.

Depending on how your system is set up, any electricity your home does not use right away flows back into the grid or into a battery.

Key System Components

A residential solar power system includes:

• Solar panels
• Inverter
• Racking/mounting hardware to secure panels
• Optional battery storage for backup power
• Net meter to track energy sent to and from the grid

How Sun Exposure, Roof Pitch, and Shading Affect Output

While solar panels do not require perfect conditions, there are several factors that can affect solar output.

Sun exposure is most important. If a home receives consistent sunlight throughout the day, it will generate more energy. Even so, homes with less sun exposure can still perform well depending on energy usage patterns.

Another factor is roof pitch and orientation. It’s best to install solar panels at an angle so they can capture the most sunlight. For flat roofs, angled mounting hardware can be installed to optimize sun exposure.

If there is shading on your roof, especially during peak sunlight hours, it can impact solar performance. Professional installers can take shading into account and adjust panel placement.

Another important factor to consider is weather patterns and seasonal changes. The good news is that modern systems can account for local conditions.

Here’s how weather may affect solar output:

• Cloud cover: On cloudy days, solar panels can still produce electricity using indirect sunlight
• Temperature: Panels perform well in cooler weather. Spring and fall often deliver strong solar production, while extreme summer heat may reduce efficiency slightly
• Rain: Regular rainfall helps wash away dust and pollen, which may actually improve panel performance
• Snow: Snow may temporarily reduce output, but panels are typically installed at an angle that allows snow to slide off as temperatures rise
• Severe weather: Solar panels are built and tested to withstand wind speeds and hail
• Seasonal daylight changes: Shorter winter days produce less energy, while longer summer days increase output. These seasonal differences are factored into system design

Are You a Good Fit for Solar?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their property is a good fit for solar panels. You may want to consider solar panels if the following apply to you:

1. You Own Your Property

When you install solar panels on property you own, you can take advantage of tax credits.

2. Your Electricity Bills Are High Enough to Benefit

Homes with moderate to high energy usage often see the biggest financial impact from solar.

3. Your Roof Is Suitable for Solar

It’s essential to have a structurally sound roof with adequate sun exposure. Brda can assess the site in our initial consultation.

4. You Can Take Advantage of Local Incentives

There are often federal, state, and utility incentives that can significantly reduce upfront costs.

5. You’re Planning to Stay in Your Home

Solar delivers the greatest return for homeowners planning to stay put for several years, though systems can also add resale value.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost for a Home?

The cost for residential solar power varies based on system size, equipment, and installation needs. A home may need a larger or smaller system.

In addition, you’ll need to factor in how much sunlight your home gets, tax credits and local rebates, your roof’s condition, whether you want a battery for storage, and how much electricity you use. All of these factors will affect cost.

In Missouri, the average cost per watt is about $2.64, for a total average installation cost of about $28,776.

Factors That Influence System Cost

Here’s a closer look at the factors that affect solar panel cost:

• Equipment quality: Premium panels and high‑efficiency inverters cost more, but may last longer
• Roof complexity: Multiple roof planes, high pitches, or difficult access can increase installation labor
• Electrical upgrades: Older homes may require panel upgrades or service enhancements, which can increase cost
• Battery storage: Adding a home battery increases the overall price but provides backup power and greater self‑consumption.
• EV charger integration: If you plan to power an electric vehicle, bundling an EV charger with your solar system may change your upfront costs and increase savings over time

It’s important to note that solar panels are not a short-term purchase; they are a long-term investment that many find worth it in the long run.

Understanding Solar Savings & Return on Investment

The amount of money you save with solar depends on how much electricity you use and how much your system produces.

Typically, homeowners with solar panels can offset a large portion of their electric bill. Excess energy is often credited through net metering, reducing monthly costs even further. Depending on incentives and usage patterns, payback periods commonly range from seven to 10 years.

To estimate your own annual savings with solar panels, you can take your total annual electricity cost and subtract your estimated solar annual production. You can also take into account rebates and any incentives.

Long-Term Value of Going Solar

Choosing solar will most likely result in monthly benefits, but there are long-term benefits as well, including:

• Protection against rising utility rates
• Increased home resale value
• Panel lifespans of 25 years or more
• Strong manufacturer and performance warranties

Solar Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates

With incentives, credits, and rebates, solar can be even more affordable. However, these programs typically don’t reduce costs at the time of installation. Instead, they lower the total amount you pay over time through tax credits and post-installation rebates.

Most homeowners pay the upfront cost of installing solar panels, either with cash or financing, and then apply eligible incentives afterward.

Here’s how these incentives generally work:

• Tax credits reduce the amount of federal income tax you owe
• Rebates may be offered by utilities or local programs and can apply after installation or at the time of purchase
• Incentives reduce your net system cost and shorten your payback period

With the Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, eligible homeowners can currently claim 30% of qualified solar installation costs as a federal tax credit. This credit applies to systems placed in service through December 31, 2025, under current federal rules. The IRS provides detailed guidance on eligibility and filing through its Residential Clean Energy Credit resource.

To qualify for the federal solar tax credit, homeowners must:

• Own both the home and the solar energy system
• Install the system on a primary or secondary residence in the U.S.
• Have sufficient federal tax liability to use the credit
• Retain documentation showing the system was paid for and placed in service
• File IRS Form 5695 with their federal tax return

Types of Home Solar Systems

Not all residential solar systems are the same. The right choice depends on your goals and energy needs.

Grid-Tied Systems

Grid-tied systems are the most common choice. They allow the homeowner to maximize savings while staying connected to the grid for backup power.

Off-Grid Systems

This type of system is rarer in residential systems because it requires substantial battery storage and full energy independence.

Hybrid Systems (Solar + Battery)

Hybrid systems combine grid connection with battery storage, offering backup power during outages. These systems pair well with whole-home generators or EV chargers.

Should You Add Home Battery Storage?

Having battery storage can provide flexibility and protection, but it may not be necessary for everyone.

On the plus side, having home battery storage can provide backup power during outages. It also allows for reduced reliance on the grid and greater self-consumption of solar energy.

However, there are some downsides to home battery storage. It means you’ll have a higher upfront cost, space requirements that you wouldn’t have without a battery, and you’d also have to be concerned about battery lifespace and replacement timing.

So what’s the best way to go? Most homeowners believe it makes the most financial sense to go with battery storage, especially if you're concerned about outages or time-of-use utility rates, where cost of power can change depending on the time of day. Battery storage can help avoid those higher rates since excess solar energy can be stored and used during the more expensive hours.

How to Go Solar: Step-by-Step Process

In order to set realistic expectations, it can help to fully understand the process.

1. Consultation & Quotes

Comparing multiple quotes can help homeowners review different equipment, warranties, and long-term value.

2. Site Assessment

A professional assessment reviews roof condition, shading, and electrical panel capacity. Brda Electric also addresses solar power infrastructure considerations during this phase.

3. System Design & Permitting

Before installation begins, design, engineering, and utility approvals are handled.

4. Installation

Most residential installations are completed within a few days, and homeowners can expect minimal disruption.

5. Activation & Inspection

Final inspections and utility approval allow the system to go live. Monitoring tools help track performance.

Maintenance & Long-Term Care for Your Solar System

One of the biggest benefits of a residential solar system is that it requires little maintenance. In fact, with proper installation and some monitoring, most systems can work reliably for decades.

Routine care includes:

• Occasional cleaning if debris builds up
• Monitoring system performance
• Annual professional inspections

That being said, different components have different lifespans. For instance, inverters typically last 10 to 15 years and may need to be replaced during the system’s lifetime. Solar panels, on the other hand, typically last 25 years or more.

Homeowners should call a professional for troubleshooting if any of the following occur:

• Error messages or alerts from the monitoring system
• Damage from severe weather
• Unexpected changes in electricity bills
• Electrical upgrades or roof work that may affect the system

How Brda Electric Helps You Go Solar with Confidence

Brda Electric brings over 35 years of local electrical expertise to every solar project. Homeowners can rest easy knowing they will receive turnkey support, including system design, permitting, and installation. Proven results can be seen in Brda Electric’s solar project portfolio.

Optional additional upgrades that improve solar performance are available. This includes EV chargers, panel upgrades, smart panels, and generators. Learn more about available options through Brda Electric’s residential solar services.

Household solar power is a long-term investment that can lower energy costs, increase home value, and provide greater control over electricity usage. The best way to start is with a professional evaluation from a trusted installer.

Contact Brda Electric for a fast estimate and personalized solar evaluation.

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